Former President Bill Clinton on Tuesday endorsed Democratic Rep. Charles Rangel in his tough primary fight to secure a 23rd term, saying the New York congressman is “what his district and our country need now.”

The move is a major boost for Rangel, who is fighting state Sen. Adriano Espaillat and the Rev. Michael Walrond in the June primary.

Espaillat has received several high-profile endorsements, and he posed a strong challenge to Rangel two years ago in a district whose demographics have dramatically changed in recent years. Walrond, a Harlem pastor, has support from several people close to the Rev. Al Sharpton, whose relationship with President Barack Obama and his MSNBC show have elevated him as a dominant force in New York politics.

”I’m happy to endorse my good friend Charlie Rangel for Congress,” Clinton said in a statement. “Charlie has been a champion of more good jobs, successful small businesses, and strong families for more than 40 years. That’s what his district and our country need now.”

The move, first reported by the New York Post, is a reflection of loyalty by Clinton, who was backed by Rangel as he fought impeachment while president. Rangel also was the first prominent New York Democrat to suggest former first lady Hillary Clinton run for Senate in his home state back in 1999, and he worked hard on her behalf.

However, Bill Clinton aides appeared to push back on the Post’s report that the former president is set to swamp the district on Rangel’s behalf.

“President Clinton looks forward to campaigning for Democrats across the country this fall — expect him to keep a very busy schedule,” his spokesman Matt McKenna said.